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Spouses of B-1 work permit holders now able work on a derivative visa - Israel

02 August 2016

Israeli Cabinet Ministers have approved a one year program which allows under certain conditions, spouses of holders of a B-1 Foreign Expert Visa to work in Israel. It is to encourage more foreign talent to come and work in Israel’s high tech industries and local branches of multinational organisations.

Although regulations have not yet been officially published, it is understood that “spouses” (legally married husband or wife) will be eligible to accompany the B-1 Foreign Expert Visa on a derivative visa which will allow them to work in Israel. The spousal Employment Authorisation Document (EAD) does not need to be sponsored by a specific employer.

The spouse will be allowed to work in Israel once the dependent visa application is issued by the Ministry of Interior. Normally, the EAD Spouse visa extension will be approved for the same duration that of the B-1 Foreign Expert.

Once a spouse obtains an EAD he/she can be undertake any legal employment anywhere in Israel, for any salary above the Israeli minimum wage, currently 4,650 NIS (approx. 1100 EUR) per month gross for full time work. Employment may be part time or full­time, off­line or online, within an office or remote. As such, the EAD affords the dependent spouse the opportunity for 'open market' employment authorisation.

The B-1 Foreign Expert who is the main visa applicant should be employed by one of the following:

Israeli company operating abroad with at least 100 employees;

“Start- up” company which has been authorised by the Chief Scientists Office;

“Start-up company” which is eligible for benefits pursuant to the Israel Angel Investment Law.

The B-1 employee should work for an established, technological or multi-national company as a B-1 foreign expert or in a senior management position. The Ministry of Interior will publish the list of companies which are eligible for this program.

What this means for you as an employer?

This is a welcome change as it now means that spouses of those working on assignment or relocated to Israel are able to work freely via their dependant visa without having to obtain their own independent work visa.

We are seeing this change across a number of jurisdictions as immigration authorities worldwide are starting to pay greater attention to the rights of accompanying dependants.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to your usual PwC Legal contact for further details.